I have visited my U.S. home campus Study Abroad Office and/or looked through study abroad reference books and websites about Canada.

I know what courses are available through the program I have chosen in Canada.

I know whether or not I will be able to transfer the courses taken abroad in Canada to my U.S. home institution.

I have researched the cost of the program in Canada and what the cost covers.

I know where the program is located and where the abroad program office is located.

I have checked the length of the program and what time of year the program is offered.

I know in what language(s) the course will be offered.

I understand what support services are available through the program in the U.S. and in Canada.

I know who is in charge of health and safety for the program.

I have spoken with students that have participated in the program and/or read written evaluations from past participants.

The program I have chosen is affordable.

I know how much money I will need to save in order to participate in the program I have chosen.

I know about how much money I think I will spend while in Canada.

I have decided what study abroad program group size and class size would be ideal for me.

I have considered whether I prefer to be in a class with local Canadian students, other American students or a combination of the two.

I know whether I prefer to receive all of my instruction in French, in English or a combination.

I have clearly articulated my personal goals for wanting to study abroad in Canada.

I have asked my program's administrators how closely my U.S. home college/university will be working with my program coordinators in Canada.

I know which of the five types of program sponsors runs my study abroad program.

I am aware of what kind of facilities my program has in Canada (i.e. a one person office versus a comprehensive campus).

I know whether I will be enrolled in a foreign university, a U.S. university or an independent program in Canada.

I understand what services and activities will and will not be provided for me by my program.

I have used a cost-of-living calculator to help me figure out the difference in cost between living in the U.S. and living in Canada.

I know whether the cost of living where I will be studying in Canada is higher, lower or the same as the cost of living at home in the U.S.

I have begun budgeting my income and/or saving money to provide for the costs of living abroad.

I have a small pocket calculator to carry with me in order to do currency conversions.

I understand what my purchases are worth-both their monetary value and their time value (how long it takes me to work for them).

I have created a simple budget book/ledger with categories that will help me better keep track of my spending.

I know roughly how much my study abroad experience will cost.

I can comfortably afford to participate in the program I have chosen.

My family and I think that the study abroad program I have chosen, and the experience of study abroad, is worth its cost.

I know the limits of what my financial aid package covers for my study abroad program.

In case I don't receive the scholarships, fellowships, grants or loans I applied for, I have a back-up plan.

I have thoroughly researched and contacted groups, foundations and organizations that may be able to help me financially.

My personal statement/essay well reflects my talents and interests.

In addition to my GPA, I have included in my application other activities, clubs, teams, student government in which I have participated.

I have sent out and/or received all of the required letters of recommendation.

I have had someone look over my personal statement/essay one last time.

I have made sure to include in my personal statement essay the reasons why I want to study abroad in Canada.

I will get a good night sleep, dress professionally and read the current events of Canada before I have my interview.

I will try my best to be polite and well-mannered when answering the interview questions thoroughly and specifically.

I have compared ticket prices offered by travel agents, student agencies and websites.

I have a valid passport and visa.

I know whether or not my program requires me to show proof of insurance, provide a doctor’s letter or confirmation of sufficient funds.

I have made multiple copies of all important travel documents.

I have registered to obtain absentee ballots so I can vote in U.S. elections while in Canada

I have set up power of attorney.

I have established how I’m going to pay my outstanding U.S. bills while in Canada

I am familiar with the basic social laws of the countries to which I will be traveling, including laws related to drug and alcohol use.

I am familiar with how the legal system works in each country I plan to visit.

I know the location of the U.S. Embassy in each country I plan to visit.

I have registered/will register with the U.S. Embassy in Canada.

I have proper insurance (see the insurance guide section) and a personal lawyer in case I should need legal counsel.

I know all the important telephone and fax numbers and addresses for my program's office both in the U.S. and abroad, including emergency after-hours numbers.

I know the address and telephone number for my residence abroad.

I know how my calling card plan works and how to use my card to call home.

I know where to buy a cell phone abroad in case I need one.

If I bring my PDA, its wireless service will work abroad.

I have created an internationally accessible e-mail account address.

All of my emergency contacts both in the U.S. and abroad have all of my contact information, and I have theirs.

I know how the mail service operates in Canada (efficiency, costs, etc.) and what to expect when mailing items.

I have a list of everyone to whom I have given out my contact information.

I have asked those to whom I have given my address to tell me before they mail me anything.

I have made a list of the pros and cons of each type of housing available to me abroad.

I have asked a study abroad administrator if I can change my place of residence abroad in the event that things don't work out.

After making a list of pros and cons, I have decided which type of housing suits my needs best and why.

I realize that it may take time for me to adjust to the Rules, Privacy, Sharing, Telephone, Meals, Language and Social Network aspects of the type of housing I have chosen.

I know how much luggage my airline allows me to check and to take on board my flight.

I know what my airline permits me to carry in my carry-ons.

I have researched the weather conditions over various seasons in the region of Canada where I will be.

I remembered to pack all important travel documents in my carry-on, not my checked bags.

I made a list of items I intend to purchase once I arrive in Canada, rather than pack them.

I made an itemized list of everything I packed in my suitcases in case they are lost or stolen and I need to make an insurance claim.

If I have decided to ship some items, I have contacted someone in Canada to insure pick-up and/or payment for these items upon arrival.

I know I will have to adapt my routine and schedule to life in Canada.

I have researched what the general quality of facilities like hospitals, restaurants, public transportation, payphones, etc. is like in Canada.

I know what modern conveniences Canada offers (i.e. internet hookups, supermarket chains, name brand stores, microwaves, cell phone service, heated classrooms, etc.).

I have asked what kind of restroom facilities and toilets are standard in Canada.

I know whether or not I will be living in a co-ed dorm or apartment in Canada, and if my program permits co-ed living.

I am familiar with the health care system of the country where I will be studying, including the quality of facilities and the cost of services.

I know the location of the nearest hospital to my abroad residence.

I know what my insurance policy does and does not cover.

I will be provided with a translator if needed during a doctor visit or hospital stay.

I have an emergency contact in the U.S. and abroad.

I have a first aid kit.

I know how to refill needed prescriptions abroad.

Before leaving, I have gotten a complete physical from my doctor.

I have received all necessary immunizations required/recommended for entry to the countries I will visit, and I know where to obtain other inoculations abroad if needed later.

I know who the emergency contact will be at the U.S. and in Canada.

I know who my emergency contact will be at home.

I have asked whether or not the drinking water is safe to drink in Canada.

I know what precautions to take when eating local food.

I have researched where to buy food that suits my dietary needs/restrictions (i.e. for vegetarians, diabetics, etc…)

I know how extensive, safe and reliable the public transportation system is in Canada.

I am aware of the laws and codes of conduct that are likely to impact me.

I understand that the use of alcohol and drugs increases my risk of accident and injury.

I know which non-verbal behaviors are considered inappropriate/rude and which are commonly used (certain hand gestures, greeting by bowing, kissing or shaking hands, etc.).

I know which areas are considered unsafe in the cities I will visit.

I know which forms of public transportation are safest to use.

I know where to get help if I need it.

I have a small flashlight to carry with me at night.

I have only given out my mailing address to people I know, and those people will inform me before they send me any mail/packages.

I am aware of the prevailing local attitudes towards, and local laws dealing with, sexual harassment and sexual assault.

I am aware of any travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department for the countries to which I will be traveling.

I am familiar with my program's Emergency Action Plan.

I have updated my EAP and given copies of it to all of my U.S. and abroad emergency contacts.

In the event of serious injury or death, I have made my wishes clear to family in the U.S., and to my program director abroad.

I am aware of what my program, the Embassy and the Consulate can and cannot do to assist me in the event of a crisis.

I have been provided with comprehensive information from my program, and I have shared this information with parents/guardians/family members.

I have more than one way to keep in touch with home while abroad (i.e. through e-mail, calling card, fax, etc…)

I can identify the three phases of crisis, as well as the physical and emotional symptoms that may affect me during each phase.

I know which active steps I will take in a crisis in order to make myself feel calmer and safer.

I recognize the fact that I may experience emotional side-affects from crisis, and that my emotional responses to crisis are normal.

I am already familiar with some major cultural differences between home and the country in which I will study (i.e.: religion, language, laws)?

I understand that it is normal to experience culture shock, including feelings of anxiety, depression and frustration.

If my depression does not go away, I know where to get help (i.e.: a student counselor)?

I expect to have both good days and bad when learning to overcome my culture shock, and I will be patient with myself as I learn to adapt.

I know that I am not alone in how I feel.

I will try not to be negative or overly critical of another country’s culture. Instead, I will look for the positives that a culture possesses.

I will make an effort to meet and make friends with locals rather than just hanging around other Americans.

I will not let terrorist threats turn my culture shock into culture fear.

Upon return home, I will be patient with myself again as I experience reverse culture shock. (This includes trying not to be overly critical of the U.S. just because being home is not like being abroad.)

I have all of my identification and travel documents in an assessable, yet secure, location.

I did not accept anything from anyone before boarding my flight.

I packed my bags myself and know exactly what’s in them.

My bags never left my sight or supervision before they were checked in.

I filled out all necessary declaration forms.

I was honest in declaring everything I am bringing into or out of the U.S.?

I was careful to avoid carrying any item that be considered illegal in the U.S. or Canada, or may cause me to be suspected of smuggling

I have arranged for course registration while abroad

I have taken care of forms and applied for scholarships at my home campus while abroad

I have thought of ways to add an international component to my studies at home

I will try to find ways to integrate my study abroad experience with my world at home.

I have begun looking at ways to use my study abroad experience to build my resume

I know that there are resources for finding other study, internship, volunteer, and work experiences abroad.